‘Of all places, you chose the whitest one?': Black American woman moved to Russia calling it ‘safe haven', gets beaten by racist neighbours; social media reacts
A Black American woman who once said she felt 'safe' in Russia has now revealed that she and her child were attacked by racist neighbours in Moscow.
Francine Villa had moved from the United States to Russia, hoping to escape racial discrimination.
However, in a viral video, she revealed that her dream had turned into a nightmare after the assault.
Villa claimed both she and her 2-year-old baby were brutally beaten by locals in a racist attack, reports New York Post. She also said that the neighbours hurled racial slurs at her in Russian. The incident has shocked many who remember her earlier praise of life in Russia.
Villa had previously shared her experience of moving to Moscow in the 2020 documentary 'Black in the USSR', which aired on Russian state media outlet RT.
At the time, she spoke warmly about the country, saying, 'I feel free living in Russia, because in Russia, no matter what time it is, I can walk outside and I'm safe.'
Five years later, she says that belief has been shattered.
In her video, with a seemingly bloodied mouth and visible injuries, Villa said the attack was not only terrifying but felt like a cruel twist, as it happened in the country she believed would be her safe haven."
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'The fact that the attack occurred in her homeland is an extra painful blow,' she added.
In the video, the neighbours could be seen blocking Villa from entering her own apartment, demanded her identity, and asked how long she had been living in Russia. They also cut off the electricity, according to Villa.
Social media users have reacted with concern and sympathy, with many pointing out the irony of someone fleeing racism in the US only to encounter it in Russia.
Others have pointed out that moving to another country doesn't always mean you can escape discrimination.
"Why didn't she go to Africa?" said one user on X, using casual racism to mock her.
Another said: "Why Russia of all places?"
"I mean people who live in Russia even want to leave Russia and she decided to move there!" added another user.
Another quipped: "of all places ??? you went to the whitest one ????"
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